Staff recommends City Council approve the FY24 COPS Hiring Program Grant in the amount of $1,075,720.

The COPS Hiring Program (CHP) provides funding for law enforcement agencies to hire officers in an effort to increase community police capacity and crime prevention efforts.  The Department of Justice has offered a grant to the City of Billings in the amount of $1,075,720 to cover shared costs of 3 police officers.  This grant period is from October 1, 2024 to September, 30 2029.    

City Council authorized 8 additional officers for the FY25 budget.  Initially, there were not enough funds budgeted to fill those positions entirely and currently salary savings are being used to cover the cost of vehicles and equipment for officers. Additionally, due to retirements, resignations and availability of academy spots, of the 8 officers authorized, none have been filled.  This grant has awarded $500,000 to be used to share the costs of the FY25 officer positions. The grant requires a City match in the amount of $575,720.  

City Council may:

• Approve the FY24 COPS Hiring Program Grant in the amount of $1,075,720; or,
• Not Approve the Federal FY24 COPS Hiring Program Grant in the amount of $1,075,720; which would result in the General Fund absorbing all personnel costs. 

The City is required to contribute a $575,720 match over a 3-year grant period.